(a) In a subrogation action brought in general sessions court by an automobile insurance carrier for recovery of amounts paid to or on behalf of its insured under the collision, comprehensive, medical payments or uninsured motorist coverages of a contract of automobile insurance, the affidavit of the plaintiff-carrier or its agent as to the total damages paid, or incurred, including the insured’s deductible, is presumptive evidence against the alleged tortfeasor from whom recovery is sought, except as provided under subsection (b); provided, that such affidavit is accompanied by a certificate of a notary public with seal annexed, or certificate of a judge of the court of general sessions, with the certificate of the county clerk that such judge is an acting judge within the county.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 24-5-115

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Tort: A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) The presumption afforded in subsection (a) shall not be conclusive to the extent that the alleged tortfeasor from whom recovery is sought denies tort liability for the incident, or denies the extent of the damages alleged to be related to the incident, or both. Any such denial must be under oath in writing, or made orally in open court, and the alleged tortfeasor shall be allowed to assert any defense or objection the defendant may have. Such affidavit shall be served upon the alleged tortfeasor with the civil warrant. Upon such denial, on the plaintiff-carrier’s motion, or in the interest of justice, the judge shall continue the action to a date certain for trial.
(c) This section does not apply if the automobile insurance carrier files an intervening complaint in an existing action brought by an injured person against the alleged tortfeasor.
(d) This section does not affect the viability of the made-whole doctrine in Tennessee.
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